The ego, or non-self, represents a localized crystallization of consciousness, characterized by self-awareness and a sense of identity. The mind, with its dualistic and discriminating nature, is the primary force driving the development of the ego.

In spiritual contexts, the ego is often viewed as an adversary that must be vanquished at all costs. However, it is crucial to recognize that the ego is not inherently negative; it only appears so in this world because the majority of people are governed by their minds, thereby manifesting negative aspects associated with a separatist perspective.

Essentially, the ego serves as a lens or focal point through which the infinite becomes finite, allowing the formless Presence to manifest itself as a personality with distinct attributes. Prior to awakening, Presence seems to “disappear to itself” in this process, identifying with the non-self. After awakening, Presence progressively begins to consciously manifest itself through an increasingly transparent and transformed personality.

Understanding the energetic process behind the formation of the ego is vital, as it is a natural occurrence that enables the infinite to manifest itself in the realm of forms.

Consider the analogy of using a magnifying glass under the sun to ignite a piece of paper: to generate significant heat, the focus point must be narrowed until it becomes minuscule. This concept can be applied to human creative expression. Identity is essentially a concentration of consciousness on a particular set of characteristics with which it can identify. Self-awareness emerges from this focus. You become what you believe you are. The clearer this definition, the more confidence and impact you will possess as an individual. You will become similar to that very hot little dot of focused light under the magnifying glass.

As awakening unfolds, the relatively stable yet temporary point in consciousness to which we have long identified, the ego, will eventually begin to dissolve. This stage can be challenging and is often referred to as the “dark night of the soul.” The biblical parable of the old wineskins alludes to this enigmatic process: “No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matt 9:17; Mk 2:22; Lk 5:37-39)

Calwen